Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp. has launched 8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection in a new syringe made of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). The clear syringe looks glass-like but is break resistant and lighter weight.

This is the company’s first COC syringe, but it does admit it has plans to switch more products to this format in the coming months. The previous container closure was a polypropylene syringe.

“From lifesaving drugs to cutting-edge automation, Nephron is known for the innovative new ways it approaches pharmaceutical manufacturing,” says Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy in a press release. “That is why we could not be more excited or proud for the launch of our first COC syringe. In the same way we are transitioning products from traditional IV bags into Blow-Fill-Seal plastic IV bottles, this product launch represents a progressive, and necessary change, making life easier for health care professionals and products safer for patients.”

The new package is suitable for various medications, including viscous drugs. According to the company, the COC syringe provides for extended product shelf-life compared to the previous PP version. Kennedy explains, “The new COC syringe behaves more like glass and provides additional barrier properties, extending the product shelf life.”

This new package is available through the Nephron 503B Outsourcing Facility operation, which produces pre-filled sterile syringes, luer-lock vials, and IV bottles and IV bags for American hospitals to help relieve drug shortages. A disconnected plunger allows for easy storage.